Replace the belt switch in an electric GE dryer with these easy-to-follow steps

Is your GE dryer refusing to start? A worn-out belt switch might be the culprit, making your laundry day more frustrating than ever. Luckily, with a few common household tools and our step-by-step guide, you can replace the faulty part yourself and restore your dryer to full functionality. Ready to tackle this DIY project? Watch the how-to video below for a visual walkthrough!

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

The belt switch in an electric GE dryer detects whether the belt is intact and properly installed to prevent the dryer drum from spinning without the belt’s support. Over time, the belt switch can wear out, become damaged and fail.

Fortunately, you can use a few basic household tools and some patience to tackle this repair yourself and get your dryer back in working order.

If you need any replacement parts for your GE dryer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch the full repair here

What you need

• Replacement belt switch (make sure it’s compatible with your specific dryer model before installing)
• Phillips screwdriver

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more:  How To Replace A GE Dryer Drive Belt

Safety tips

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.

Read more: Dryer Drum Belt Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Your Dryer

How to replace the belt switch

Change out a faulty belt switch in your electric GE dryer by following these steps.

1. Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws at the top of the front panel, just behind the door.
3. Lift the top panel up slightly to clear the console legs, then pull the panel forward.
4. Remove the Phillips screws found at each back corner of the front panel.
5. Lift the front panel up and rotate it to the side.
6. Disconnect the door switch wires.
7. Set the front panel aside.
8. Reach under the drum and disconnect the belt from the belt pulley.
9. Lift up on the belt and use it to help you pull the drum forward and out. Set the drum aside.
10. Remove the Phillips screws from the front of the blower housing and the back of the motor mount.
11. Remove the screw from the outlet thermostat.
12. Push back on the motor and rotate it sideways to access the belt switch.
13. Remove the two Phillips head screws that hold the belt switch in place.
14. Disconnect the wires to the old belt switch.
15. Secure the new belt switch with the two Phillips screws.
16. Connect the wires to the new belt switch.
17. Check that the idler pulley is secured correctly on the motor mount, then slide it forward and reconnect it to the blower housing.
18. Screw the outlet thermostat back on and secure the motor with the three screws you removed earlier.
19. Reconnect the motor wiring.
20. Install the drum and belt. Make sure the belt is firmly on the motor pulley.
21. Connect the door switch wires.
22. Set the front panel back onto the dryer.
23. Secure the front panel with the screws you removed earlier.
24. Slide the top panel back onto the console legs, rotate it down, and secure it with the long Phillips screws.
25. Plug the dryer back in.
26. Run a small test cycle to make sure your new belt switch is working correctly.

Read more: Electric GE dryer won’t start: A troubleshooting guide

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the belt switch on your electric GE dryer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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